Tutorial - Antianginal Drugs

How do antianginal drugs affect myocardial oxygen supply and demand, and how do these actions reduce chest pain? click here
Which antianginal drugs are used to treat the following types of angina, and what actions of these drugs make them suitable for a particular form of angina? click here
    - chronic stable angina
    - Printzmetal's variant angina
    - unstable angina
What are the mechanisms by which organic nitrate nitrodilator drugs dilate veins and how does this relieve angina? click here
What is drug tolerance and how does tolerance to organic nitrates affect dosing? click here
What are common side-effects to organic nitrates? click here
Which calcium-channels blockers are approved for angina and how do these drugs reduce anginal pain? click here
What preexisting conditions in patients can be made worse by administering calcium-channel blockers? click here
Why should calcium-channel blockers not be given with beta-blockers? click here
Why are beta-blockers useful antianginal drugs? click here
What are the mechanisms by which beta-blockers reduce heart rate and contractility (inotropy)? click here
Define the following characteristics for beta-blockers: click here
    - selective vs. non-selective beta-blockade
    - intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
    - membrane stabilizing activity
What are some common side-effects and contraindications for beta-blockers? click here

Revised 08/31/06

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.